Review by Robbie Fleming
Brady Corbet is a fascinating case of transformation within the film industry. While many might view him as a breakout filmmaker due to his growing recognition behind the camera, Corbet had already made a name for himself as an actor before his directorial debut. With roles in films like Mysterious Skin, Funny Games, Melancholia, and, of course, the 2000s Thunderbirds movie, Corbet's acting career was well-established long before his transition to filmmaking in 2015.
Instead of splitting this into three separate reviews and a ranking article, I’ve decided to combine everything into one piece, walking you through each of his films as a director and ranking them from my least favorite to favorite.
This article will focus solely on Corbet’s work as a filmmaker, not his acting performances (though I did recently watch Mysterious Skin for the first time this year—what a performance!). With that said, let’s dive into his first feature:
The Childhood of a Leader (2015)
Director: Brady Corbet
Studio: IFC Films
UK Release Date: 19th August 2016
Based on Jean-Paul Sartre’s novella of the same name, The Childhood of a Leader explores the early life of Prescott, a young boy growing up in the aftermath of World War I. Witnessing the Treaty of Versailles shapes his worldview and sets him on a path to becoming a fascist leader.
What immediately stands out about this film is its stunning visual style, which firmly establishes Corbet as a modern cinematic voice reminiscent of David Lean. The grand, epic scope of the film is matched by Lol Crawley’s breathtaking cinematography, which captures intricate details and brings Corbet’s artistic vision to life.
The narrative unfolds through chapters, chronicling Prescott’s formative experiences. This structure allows viewers to witness how these moments accumulate, molding him into the figure he eventually becomes. While the story’s themes are compelling, the pacing can feel slow at times, which may test some viewers’ patience. However, the film succeeds in delivering a functional, thought-provoking narrative, even when it ventures into unsettling territory.
One of Corbet’s strengths as a director is his ability to draw exceptional performances from his cast. With a background in acting, it’s no surprise that he knows how to guide his actors to deliver their best. Bérénice Bejo, Stacy Martin, and Liam Cunningham all give standout performances, but young Tom Sweet truly steals the show. As the central figure in the story, his portrayal of Prescott is haunting and unforgettable. Additionally, Robert Pattinson’s brief role is a noteworthy highlight—perhaps even a stepping stone in his evolution into one of today’s finest actors.
Overall, The Childhood of a Leader is a bold and confident debut from Brady Corbet. With its meticulous cinematography, ambitious scope, engaging performances, and a unique approach to storytelling, the film firmly establishes Corbet as a filmmaker to watch.
I give The Childhood of a Leader a rating of a 9/10 and 4 and a half out of 5 stars
Vox Lux (2018)
Director: Brady Corbet
Studio: Neon
UK Release Date: 3rd May 2019
Narrated by Willem Dafoe, Vox Lux traces the meteoric rise of Celeste, a pop star whose career emerges from the ashes of a national tragedy. Spanning 18 years, the film examines pivotal cultural moments through Celeste’s perspective, beginning in 1999 and concluding in 2017. The cast includes Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Stacy Martin, Jennifer Ehle, Raffey Cassidy, and Christopher Abbott.
At first glance, Vox Lux seems like a story tailored to intrigue me, exploring the pressures and mentality of being a pop star in the public eye. However, despite its promising concept, the execution left me underwhelmed. Corbet and Mona Fastvold’s screenplay offers an interesting foundation, but its convoluted storytelling prevents it from reaching its full potential. While the film addresses its themes with sincerity, a tighter narrative structure could have made it more impactful.
Visually, Vox Lux feels more mainstream compared to Corbet’s other work. Lol Crawley’s cinematography includes a few striking shots, but it doesn’t push boundaries or experiment as effectively as The Childhood of a Leader. That said, the film’s musical elements shine—Scott Walker’s haunting score and Sia’s contributions to the original songs elevate the narrative, adding a layer of emotional depth.
In terms of performances, Natalie Portman delivers a solid portrayal of the adult Celeste. However, it’s far from her career-best work in films like Black Swan or Jackie. Jude Law, Stacy Martin, and Jennifer Ehle provide commendable support, but their roles don’t leave a lasting impression. The standout performance comes from Raffey Cassidy, who portrays both the younger Celeste and Celeste’s teenage daughter. Her dual performance is nuanced and captivating, cementing Corbet’s ability to work exceptionally well with young actors—evident here and in The Childhood of a Leader with Tom Sweet.
Overall, Vox Lux had the potential to be something extraordinary but fell short due to its uneven execution. While it boasts strong musical elements, solid performances, and moments of visual flair, it lacks the cohesion and narrative strength needed to elevate it further. I give Vox Lux a rating of a 3.5 out of 5 stars and a 7 out of 10.
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The Brutalist (2024)
Director: Brady Corbert
Studio: Universal / A24
UK Release Date: 24th January 2025
Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist tells the sweeping story of a Hungarian-born Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and immigrates to the United States, where he struggles to achieve the American Dream—until a wealthy client alters his fate. With an ensemble cast led by Oscar winner Adrien Brody, the film explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and reinvention across decades.
At over three hours, The Brutalist could have easily felt like a slog, but the inclusion of an intermission helps break the experience into two distinct halves. Each section presents a different phase of the protagonist’s life, allowing the audience to witness his evolution alongside those around him. While I found the first half more compelling than the second, both come together to form an impressive and cohesive narrative.
Corbet’s direction cements him as a modern-day David Lean, capturing an epic scope that makes the film feel larger than life. Lol Crawley’s cinematography is breathtaking—some of the best camerawork I’ve seen in years—while Daniel Blumberg’s dynamic score enhances the film’s emotional weight. The production design is equally stunning, immersing viewers in a world that feels meticulously crafted down to the last detail.
The performances are another standout. Adrien Brody delivers one of his best performances since The French Dispatch, reminding audiences why he remains one of modern cinema’s greats. Even though I’ve never been a huge fan of Guy Pearce, I have to admit he was perfectly cast here, delivering one of his strongest performances to date. Supporting performances from Joe Alwyn, Raffey Cassidy, Isaach de Bankolé, and Alessandro Nivola are also fantastic. Felicity Jones, who appears primarily in the film’s second half, delivers what I now consider her best performance yet.
Overall, The Brutalist is one of the most impressive films I’ve seen in a long time. Corbet’s direction, paired with a compelling screenplay (co-written with Mona Fastvold), stunning cinematography, a mesmerizing score, impeccable production design, and powerhouse performances, solidifies this as not only Corbet’s best film but also my favorite of 2024 so far. If there’s any filmmaker today who can claim the mantle of a modern David Lean—aside from Christopher Nolan—I’d say it’s Brady Corbet.
I give the Brutalist a rating of a 10/10 and a 5/5 stars
With only three feature films under his belt, Brady Corbet has already crafted a strong and distinct directorial voice. If I were to rank his filmography so far, it would look like this:
3rd Place – Vox Lux (2018) – A fascinating concept with solid performances and striking music, but its execution falls a bit flat.
2nd Place – The Childhood of a Leader (2015) – A bold and visually stunning directorial debut, showcasing Corbet’s knack for epic storytelling and strong performances.
1st Place – The Brutalist (2024) – His masterpiece so far. With breathtaking cinematography, a grand scope, and incredible performances, this film proves Corbet is one of the most exciting filmmakers working today.
Thank you all for reading! It’s been a great experience diving into Brady Corbet’s work and seeing his evolution as a filmmaker. Let me know in the comments which directors you’d like me to cover next, and I’ll see you next time!
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Keziah Hyde Media is a non-profit, independent media organisation. We don't display ads on our site and strive to make our media accessible to everyone. But it's only sustainable with your help.
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